Across: 2. amino acid is converted into ammonia 3. ammonia is broken down by bacteria to nitrites 5. production of nitrate from ammonia 7. salt converted to nitrites during nitrogen cycle 9. gas that constitutes about 78% of atmosphere Down. 1. intiates decomposition in dead organisms 4. combining atmospheric oxygen with other elements 6. salt used by plants and passed on to consumers 8. conversion of nitrate to nitrogen gas by bacteria​